With the vast crowds descending on Sydney and New York each New Year's Eve, avoid the stress and crammed city streets and escape to one of these lesser-known destinations.

From incredible fireworks displays and live music to magical sunrises and sandy beaches, this countdown of locations is sure to help you bring in the new year with a bang.

1. Reykjavik, Iceland

New Year's Eve in Iceland sees the whole country go wild as an epic fireworks display takes place half an hour before midnight. Oskjuhlid Hill can be found right the center of Reykjavík and is the perfect spot to sit and watch the whole night's sky light up over the entire city. After the celebrations are over, there's nothing better than enjoying the spectacular Northern Lights on the first day of the new year from this stunning glass cabin.

2. Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The perfect place to relax and reflect on the past year, Grand Canyon National Park is the ideal spot to swap those crowded New Year's Eve streets for jaw-dropping views and unbeatable hiking trails. The majestic sights from the South Rim are sure to put the year in perspective making this the go-to getaway for those looking for a peaceful and uplifting new year.

3. Homigot Sunrise Festival in South Korea

Homigot Village, located on the easternmost point of the Korean Peninsula, plays host to the one-of-a-kind Sunrise Festival every New Year's Eve. Visitors get to see the sun make it's first new appearance, rising majestically over the fascinating hand sculpture that bursts through the calm ocean. With the festival also holding traditional Korean performances, a fireworks show, and local food, New Year's Eve here will seem like a strange but beautiful dream.

4. Madeira, Portugal

The picturesque island of Madeira offers a New Year's Eve of top-class wine, fine seafood, and, of course, an amazing fireworks show over Funchal Bay. During the day, spend time exploring this charming island, and when night falls, take in the special atmosphere with the locals in the quaint side cafés. When day breaks for the first time in 2019, waking up to to the sight of the serene ocean from your own secluded beach hut will be a moment that stays with you for a lifetime.

5. Niagara Falls, Canada

If it's live music, dancing, and dazzling pyrotechnics you're looking for as the year draws to a close, Niagara Falls is the place to be this New Year's Eve. The festivities begin at 8 p.m. in Queen Victoria Park with plenty of traditional food and drinks on offer from the friendly locals, and the night culminates with some magnificent fireworks launched from Niagara Gorge!

6. Honolulu, Hawaii

Welcome in the new year with a warm aloha by spending the last day of the year surrounded by the volcanic slopes and rugged coast of Honolulu in Hawaii. As the bells end, watch the multicolored rockets burst over Waikiki Beach, and after, head on down to one of the tiki bars for some live music, elaborated cocktails, and late-night hula dancing!

7. Florianopolis, Brazil

Although Rio is seen as the number one spot to celebrate New Year's Eve in Brazil, Florianopolis, or Floripa as the locals call it, is Brazil's biggest secret—and the party destination for some of Brazil's best soccer stars. With more than 42 sandy beaches, hidden coves, and pristine lakes, there is something for everyone here. Take a seat lakeside with a cold caipirinha and enjoy the New Year's Eve fireworks display in style.

8. Zion National Park, Utah

Why not ring in the new year surrounded by the soaring landscape and iconic red rock canyons of Zion National Park this year? Make the last day of the year one to remember by hiking up to the epic Angel's Landing for 360-degree views of the sprawling 147,000-acre park, all before cozying up with loved ones, glass of champagne in hand.

Editor's note: This guest post was written by Jessica Brody, the creator of OurBestFriends.pet.

Have you ever dropped the family dog off at the kennel on the eve of your big vacation, looked into his or her big, sorrowful, brown eyes, and suddenly wished you could change your mind and bring him or her along? As it happens, you can change your mind, soothe your conscience, and make the kids happy, because traveling with a dog is a lot easier these days than it used to be. Bringing the family pet along on vacation can be a lot of fun and, with some planning, it doesn't have to be a hassle. Think of it as just another detail to iron out before you pack it all up and hit the road.

Here are a few of those details to get straight:

Identification

All pet dogs should have a collar and tags, with up-to-date identification and contact information, and it should be worn all the time, especially on vacation. If Rover gets away on a remote South Carolina beach and runs away, finding him can be nearly impossible if there's no way of knowing who his owners are and how to reach them. Your pet should also be microchipped so he or she can easily be traced back to you.

How will you travel?

Dogs these days travel both by airplane and by car, and the length of your trip may have a lot to do with whether you choose to bring your furry friend along. Airlines basically classify dogs as cargo and store them securely in the hold.

For a relaxed and mature canine, that might not be a terrible hardship, but if yours is a skittish and hyper pooch, air travel could be a real nightmare for your buddy. If your dog is small enough to fit in a pet carrier that can be squeezed in under your seat, some airlines will let them share the ride with you, so consult your airline about their dog policy before making a final decision.

Of course, the most frequently-used mode of travel for a family with a dog is a four-wheeled vehicle of some kind—usually the bigger, the better. Dogs usually have some familiarity with riding in a car to the vet or to the park, so riding along won't be as alien and scary as flying high at 30,000 feet. If your four-legged friend is anxious about riding in the car, talk to your vet about appropriate medications that can help them mellow out a bit.

Have a plan

It pays to have a plan of attack well ahead of time. Imagine having your dog in a carrier under your airplane seat on a crowded flight, and he or she suddenly starts yelping and barking as loud as possible. The angry stares of fellow passengers make things very uncomfortable, so have something comforting—either a favorite snack, toy, or a doggie sedative—on standby.

If you're going by car, plan out a few rest stops along the way for good leg stretching and sniffing sessions, not to mention bladder relief. That means you'll need a good strong leash, a food dish and water bowl, toys, and baggies for cleaning up any waste.

Accommodations

The number of dog-friendly rentals and restaurants has exploded in recent years, which makes this part of your travel planning a bit easier than how you'll get there and back with Fido. Why not have a little fun with it, and stay in a hotel that offers a doggie turndown service and special dog treats for its four-legged guests? Do a little advance research, and find out what kind of deposit and fee your accommodation will hit you with, too.

Glamping

With glamping, there's hope for people who can't bear the idea of camping with just a tent and a sleeping bag. Glamping is a lot more fun for many, because it involves creature comforts— it's a camping hybrid, between luxury and "roughing it." If you're thinking about camping out with your dog on your trip, don't forget to bring the espresso maker along with your sleeping bag.

Taking a dog on vacation is a commitment and a challenge. You have to plan ahead and be prepared for the unexpected; it's not something you can take lightly, and you can't let your attention waver like you might when you're at home with a sturdy fence in your backyard as a fall back. Long-distance travel can be traumatic for an animal, so think carefully before deciding to take the beloved family dog along for the ride.

Want to know more about the writer of this post? Jessica Brody lives in Dallas, Texas, with her loving family. As a certified dog lover, she believes that dogs are just about the greatest creatures on earth.

Winter is one of those seasons that people either adore or loathe. When autumn comes to a close, you can hear as many whines of despair as shouts of excitement as people unpack their parkas and wrap themselves from head to toe. Biologically, we all have temperature preferences, where some prefer freezing conditions over a hot climate, but even those who are partial to the cold can admit that roughing it in December and January can be, well, a bit rough.

Some of us may head to tropical climates during our winter getaways, but many of us will stay put and take advantage of the winter wonderlands around us—discovering how the cold, the snow, and the long nights can be as magical as the summertime. This collection of our favorite winter amenities that make glamping easy are perfect for those of you who are looking to take advantage of the snowfall and wintry landscapes in total comfort.

Luxurious hot tubs

Maybe the most luxurious amenity found at a glamping property, a hot tub is something that you can look forward to enjoying all year round. A snow fall might keep some inside, but a warming hot tub can tempt anyone for a soak outdoors. Perfect for a romantic winter evening or a snowy afternoon spent relaxing and chatting, a hot tub is surely the highlight of any winter accommodation.

Healing saunas

After a long day outdoor in the cold—either skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing, a sauna is an amazing addition to a cozy glamping accommodation. Perfect for easing sore muscles and recovering from the cold, outdoor explorers can repair aches and pain that developed before the getaway, making a glamping trip healing for both soul and body.

Nostalgic fireplaces

Cozy nights in are always made better with a good company, delicious snacks, and a crackling fireplace. Reminiscent of home, you'll be able to light a fire in the evening with your loved ones while on a winter vacation that allows you to discover the luxurious simplicity that glamping is famous for.

Cozy home theaters

Being snowed in is a phenomenon that those of us who live above the 40 degrees north latitude belt are quite familiar with. If electricity is not lost during the snowstorm, snow days become synonymous with playing outdoors and then warming up while watching a movie. While glamping, a home theater can make snow day memories a sophisticated reality with a projection screen, a movie library, and comfortable lounge furniture.

Convenient ski-in/ski-out access

While skiing and snowboarding can be considered the most popular winter activities, those of you who aren't looking forward to commuting back and fourth to the mountain will appreciate the convenience of ski-in/ski-out access. Winter accommodations that are located on or near a ski slope allow you to fulfill your dreams of the perfect skiing getaway.

Crackling fire pits

A winter's night spent outdoors can be exhilarating and refreshing, perfectly spent while stargazing and snuggling under a warm blanket. While body heat and outerwear will probably suffice, a fire pit will make the atmosphere unforgettably cozy. From the warm, amber light to the fragrant burning logs, our favorite and maybe most simple winter amenity might be the one that will make the biggest impression.

When thinking about what to get your family for the holidays, consider gifting an experience. Experiences are the gifts that keep on giving and will be shared and reminisced for years to come around the dinner table and over cups of coffee. Unlike things, experiences get better the more you share them with others.

Create lifelong memories with those closest to you while doing something a little out of the ordinary. Here is a list of some of the best activities to do while glamping that will make great gifts for the whole family.

Yoga

Get the whole family to disconnect, de-stress, and open your minds while doing yoga on your glamping getaway.

Yoga with the whole family is a great way to expose children to lifelong healthy activities.No matter your age or experience level, yoga can be beneficial in a myriad of ways—breathing techniques for better stamina, mindfulness for clearing away stress, and stretching to ease muscle tension and soreness. See who can hold their downward-facing dog pose the longest!

Horseback riding

Horseback riding in Croatia will get you vistas you won't see anywhere else—a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Few other animals parallel the majesty of the horse. Embrace this beautiful animal with an open spirit to embark on an indelible experience with the kids. Exploring rugged terrains and gorgeous landscapes on horseback will surely fill you and your children with fond family memories and a renewed sense of enchantment.

Safari

Get ready to see rare and endangered wildlife while on a safari in Kenya.

Witness the excitement nature has to offer on a safari in Kenya. Learn about the area's wildlife and ecosystem from the safety of a vehicle at a comfortable distance. Fascination will be the primary emotion when you and your family are experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to observe the most impressive animals on our planet.

Canoeing

Explore Washington's coast from the water with a relaxing canoe ride.

Canoeing is family bonding at its finest. Everyone must be in proper balance and rhythm to ensure you remain dry by the time you dock. Navigate the shore and have a glimpse of the coastline from a new perspective. Maybe you'll even encounter some wildlife! As long as life jackets are securely fastened and you don't find yourself without a paddle, your family will be very safe on this adventure—not to mention you will leave having completed a killer arm workout.

Zip-lining

Prepare to get a bird's eye view of the jungle while zip-lining.

Few activities are as thrilling as soaring over the jungle canopy on a zip-line. Feel the fresh, rainforest air roll over you as you zip from one platform to another. Zip-lining is a great way to push the limits of the comfort zone of your family. The feeling is exhilarating, and you will leave a more courageous person. Support one another through the course, and you're in for a spectacular moment for the whole family.

Fishing

At this villa, you'll get the chance to go fishing every day from one of the best locations.

Spending the day patiently waiting for that bite to reel in a big one will be an experience never forgotten. If you are lucky, the fruits of your labor will pay off in the form of a big fish to pose with and show off to all your friends. The virtue of patience will be the biggest lesson learned on this trip—which is a valuable lesson for guests of all ages and experience levels.

Stargazing

When you're coming from the city, stargazing is an activity that is awe-inspiring.

Get out of the city and into the countryside to take a look at the beautiful stars overhead. In the city, we often forget they even exist, but once you see them, you can't stop looking. Stargazing puts everything back into perspective, as you gain a more profound appreciation for the vast scale of the universe.

Using a telescope, you can get a closer look at the moon and other planets if you look hard enough. Try to catch a glimpse of a shooting star, and don't forget to make a wish! It will truly be a dream come true and an experience your family will be craving upon returning to the city.

Whether you're going to the Christmas markets in Germany or a sunny beach in Hawai'i, traveling during the holidays can be an incredibly memorable experience. The destinations and possibilities are endless!

It can also be very stressful, however, with so many things to remember and plan. "How am I going to get to the airport?" "What if it snows?" "How am I going to fit these gifts in my suitcase?" We know it feels like there is a lot to do, but fear not! Here are some quick tips for traveling during the holidays so you can worry a little bit less and make the most out of your trip.

Arrive early

This is an obvious but very important item to remember. Expect the unexpected! Whether it be bad weather (pun intended) or longer than usual lines, a delay or two could definitely happen. Make sure that you budget enough time to get to whatever destination you need to be at, be it an airport or a bus or train station. Give yourself more time than you think that you need, because, after all, it is better to be too early than too late and to err on the side of caution. The last thing you want to do is miss your plane, train, or bus!

Stay healthy

Winter time makes just about everywhere a breeding ground for colds of all kinds. Couple that with extra crowded areas, and you've got the perfect storm. Even if you are in the Southern Hemisphere at the moment and soaking up some summer rays, it is still very possible to catch a cold. Protect yourself from falling ill (after all, getting sick during the holidays and having to travel is the worst), and be mindful when you are in a public space. Bring some hand sanitizer, remember to wash your hands thoroughly, and try to avoid touching your face.

Be mindful of your carbon footprint

While it is important that you stay clean, it is also important that you keep whatever place you are staying at as clean as possible, too. Everyone has a carbon footprint, and this is even more true when we travel. While it is obvious that some amount of carbon emissions occur during travel, try to keep your waste to a minimum. For some great tips for traveling and creating zero waste, keep reading here on Inspired by Maps.

Be smart about packing

During holiday travel, it is especially important to pack smartly so that you can have one less thing to worry about. Will you be traveling to many places in a short amount of time, or will you be in one place for a longer time? How's the weather where you'll be going? A common rule of thumb is to pack as efficiently as possible. No matter what your situation is, traveling will be easiest with a lighter suitcase.

Bring something festive

Do you do something special with friends or family every holiday season? Well, don't let travel stop you from keeping you traditions alive! Perhaps if it is something more elaborate, you won't be able to go all out, but you can certainly bring a little piece of it with you. Break out your Christmas sweater and get festive on that airplane! This can certainly help you stay cheerful throughout your travels and really get into the holiday mood. It's incredible what a simple thing like this can do!

Be respectful

Remember that it's the holiday season! It can be easy to complain about the bathroom line being too long or the fact that your flight was delayed, but no matter how frustrating the situation, it's important to be patient and to be respectful. Complaining about a situation won't help anything, including people's moods. Take a deep breath, and take any inconveniences or issues with grace. Just think about it—you're lucky that you're even able to travel this holiday season. Many people would love to be in your position, and in just a short while, you'll be at an amazing destination!

You may see this and think, "Great, another shopping list for the holidays. What's new?" Well, actually, a lot! This list isn't just a list of random items that could be used by anyone, but rather a curated list of our favorite travel gadgets that we actually used in 2018. Each item on this list has been tried and tested by our Glamping Hub employees, and we're sharing them with you because they've truly changed how we travel.

For Him

Skyroam's Solis Portable Hot Spot

Skyroam Solis is the company's newest model and one of the most powerful, global Wi-Fi hot spots on the market. With super fast 4G LTE coverage in over 130 countries, over 16 hours of battery life, and charging connections for up to five devices, this handy machine makes traveling and staying connected easier than ever before.

Flask Flashlight

Perfect for the guy who loves to camp—and relax at the end of the day with a drink.

Probably two items that you never occurred to you to combine: a flask and a flashlight. With improvements in technology, the big batteries are not needed for flashlights anymore, which for the most part are now all LED.

Thus, the founders of VSSL decided to put all that extra space to use, and one of their feats of engineering is this flashlight and flask combination. It can carry 10 ounces of your favorite drink and comes with two stainless steel, collapsible shot glasses, and a bottle opener (apart from the flashlight).

Bear Grylls' Ultimate Survival Kit

This is the gift you hope you never need, but are always glad to have.

This compact and portable survival kit has everything you would need in an emergency situation in the outdoors. With 16 pieces, ranging from a hand saw and survival blanket to fishing and sewing kits, Gerber Gear and Bear Grylls have thought of everything you might need. It even comes with a "Priorities of Survival Pocket Guide" for potentially dangerous or tricky situations.

For Her

Waxed Canvas Backpack

Stylish and practical, this is the perfect weekend getaway bag for her.

Kovereduk's Lundy backpack combines fashion and function for an overall great weekend bag for her. The brown leather bag is durable, and each one is unique, as it is made with reclaimed leather. With two large, hold-all compartments, a front pocket, and an interior zip pocket, the backpack can easily fit a laptop and clothes for a weekend away.

Carry On Cocktail Kits

Compact and easy to bring along, these in-flight cocktail kits make it easy to relax once you reach cruising altitude.

Carry On Cocktails are the brainchild of W&P and have us asking, "How did no one think of this sooner?!" Whether you hate flying and need to relax or simply want to get your vacation started early, these in-flight cocktail kits are compact and easy to bring in your carry-on. The company offers drinks ranging from a Moscow Mule to a Champagne Cocktail—all of which make great stocking stuffers for the over-21 crowd.

Sand-Free Beach Towels

Add some style and luxury to your next beach trip with this sand-proof beach towel.

These beach towels will change the way you relax and get your tan on forever. Made from Tesalate's exclusive AbsorbLite fabric, sand won't stick to these towels, even when wet! Compact, quick drying, and with more than 20 patterns to pick from, these towels are a no-brainer gift for someone who loves to be at the beach.

For Fido

I have to say from experience, traveling with a dog is tricky. Even more difficult is finding a pet-friendly rental where you can stay and really feel like your dog is welcome—especially if you're glamping and going to be outdoors all day.

These are some of my favorite pet products for traveling, one for fun and two of which really make it easy to keep your vacation rental clean while there with your pup.

Paw Plunger

The first product is called the Paw Plunger, which quickly and easily cleans your dog's paws. It's perfect for removing any traces of that muddy mountain hike you wanted to take before letting the dog back inside the rental. Fill the container with warm water, and watch as one-by-one your dogs paws are cleaned gently by the bristles inside—truly a lifesaver.

Portable Dog Bath

If your dog hates being bathed like ours do, this item will be a life-saver. You will be so thankful you bought this for your pup after a walk through the woods, where the dog found a nice puddle to roll around in and you don't want to let them back inside the vacation rental.

This Bissell portable dog bath is perfect for when you're in someone else's home and want to keep the dog clean. It cleans from the skin up, with specially designed nozzles that go beneath the fur, and it also uses only 48 ounces of water and no-rinse shampoo to keep your pup clean from head to tail.

Note to dog-owners whose pups are afraid of vacuums: You may want to introduce this slowly, as it does make a quiet, vacuum-like noise. The product comes with training instructions if this is the case for your dog.

Outward Hound's Dog Puzzles

I originally saw these toys first on Instagram and honestly thought they looked a little unnecessary. Either it would be too complicated, or it would be destroyed by my dog in a few hours. After seeing my pup in action with one, however, my mind was quickly changed. These things are great!

With multiple training levels and different challenges, these puzzles help train your dog to learn sequential steps—challenging them while teaching them problem-solving skills. Did you ever think your dog would learn how to problem-solve? Maybe they will in 2019!

Feeling inspired to take a trip with your new gadgets? Head to Glamping Hub for where to stay or check out our staff's holiday wish list here!

If you're thinking of getting away this holiday season but not sure where to go, Europe is a fantastic option for those who want to travel while still going somewhere where festive spirits are high. From traditional holiday markets and nostalgic settings to charming medieval squares and Gothic churches, all throughout Europe there are countless destinations that can definitely deliver a hefty dose of holiday spirit.

Kiruna, Sweden

As the Northern Lights are one of the seven wonders of the world, the best time to chase the Aurora is during the holiday season. In December, evenings are long and dark, so the chances of seeing the lights are very high. During the day, there will be plenty of time to spend in the snow so finally, you can enjoy the white Christmas you've been longing for.

Spending the nights beneath the Northern Lights is the ideal retreat for a romantic getaway. In Kiruna, Sweden, you can fall asleep watching the Aurora dance the night away under a completely translucent glass roof—a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Nuremberg Christmas market, Germany

Christkindlesmarkt, otherwise known as the Nuremberg Christmas Market.

Whenever we think of holiday festivities, German markets always make it to the top of the list. Although there are some great German markets around Europe, one of the most famous is Nuremberg's German Market, which boasts around 2 million visitors per year.

Wrap up warm, enjoy the hustle and bustle, and immerse yourself in the excitement of Christmas. Appreciate the sweet gingerbread aroma, sip on hot mulled wine, enjoy a bratwurst, and take the old fashioned stagecoach around Nuremberg to learn even more about the city's culture.

Lapland, Finland

If you're traveling to Europe with family this holiday season and have young children, taking them to Lapland will create the most amazing winter wonderland experience. Make it a weekend trip, and stay in this unique igloo before taking a short road trip to Rovaniemi to visit Santa's Village. Your day will be full of fun, family activities, which may include a ride on a snowmobile, a reindeer safari, a husky ride, and, of course, saying hello to Santa!

St. Moritz, Switzerland

The perfect time to take a ski trip to avoid an overcrowded resort is Christmas! That's because the peak season for the European slopes is February through March. Traveling to Europe for a ski holiday is totally worth it for the experience; you'll get the opportunity to ski where the sport originated from, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and indulge in the local food and wine.

There are hundreds of ski resorts to choose from, but St. Moritz in Switzerland is a truly special destination. This resort is the oldest winter holiday destination in the world, making it the most luxurious and unique escape you could ask for this holiday season. Spend your mornings skiing, and in the afternoons, get cozy by the fire with a hot chocolate and relax in style and elegance.

Prague, Czech Republic

Discover a real-life fairytale this Christmas and enjoy a city full of character. Take a trip in December and discover Prague's architecture all lit up by magical holiday lights. Here, you will have an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in Gothic architecture, uncover the cities best traditions, and experience its delightful cuisine. The whole city is also decked out with bright and vibrant wooden huts— animated with music and all the holiday decorations you could imagine.

Granada, Spain

If you're looking for a storybook Christmas, Granada is the perfect place to visit. The city is famous for its breathtaking, postcard landscapes and magical nativity scenes, known as belenes. Set the tone this festive season and introduce something different and exciting—a Spanish navidad, perhaps? Reconnect with nature and stay close to the snow capped mountains of Sierra Nevada in this beautiful tipi.

Want to check out some more of our winter glamping options in Europe? Keep exploring here!

Although most of us travel to escape from work emails, the hubbub of the office, and the distractions of technology-based modern life, having the right gadgets to take on your upcoming trips can be a real life-saver. Whether its something practical or a brand-new invention, an inspection of these gadgets will have you adding a few more items to your 2018 holiday wish list. Here's to your future getaways being safer, more comfortable, and more incredible than ever!

1. Waterproof camera

A fitting gift for friends and family who regularly give in to peer pressure, these sleek devices come with a great image quality—some even being resistant to shocks and freezing temperatures. Whether it's a vacation of relaxing at the beach, an unforgettable scuba expedition to the depths, or a kayaking trip, help your buddies capture those once-in-a-lifetime underwater moments with a waterproof camera.

2. Portable projector

We all know there's no place like home, but what about watching your favorite flick while surrounded by thousands of distant stars and planets? Well, say hello to my little friend! From ultra-small, mini-models to more up-scale versions with an eight-foot projection screen, these gadgets allow you to bring the cinema to the great outdoors.

3. Camera drone

Perfect for travelers looking to catch the ultimate sunset, these ultra-modern machines come with all the trimmings. Able to fly up to four miles away, the soaring robots allow you to capture those unforgettable vacation moments with astonishing clarity. Equipped with intuitive smartphone control, GPS, and several flight modes, a camera drone is the ultimate gift for someone looking to take their vacations to the next level—literally.

4. Portable fire pit

Going camping with friends and family just wouldn't be the same without a night of chatting, stargazing, and, of course, roasting marshmallows together around a fire pit. These lightweight models range from simple steel pits to trendy, modern designs, and they're all easy to carry and store in the back of the car. So, as Gandalf once so famously said, "Fry, you fools."

5. Water-resistant Bluetooth speaker

Enabling you to listen to your favorite tracks anywhere in the world, a water-resistant, portable speaker is an absolute must for music lovers on vacation, especially during that November rain. Both dust and splash resistant and with almost 10 hours of playtime, this nimble party-goer should definitely be your next travel companion.

6. Sandless beach mat

Originally created for military purposes, this incredibly handy towel allows you to enjoy those idyllic beach days without having to worry about getting any pesky sand on your electronic devices or picnic snacks. Practically impossible to cover in sand, help your friends get the ultimate suntan next year from one of these super useful beach mats.

7. Water purifier bottle

With the majority of traveler's health problems coming from drinking contaminated water, a water purifier is an absolute must for the explorer in the family. From state-of-the-art devices that can clean naturally sourced water in 15 seconds to more affordable models, these life-saving gadgets offer safe drinking water wherever you may be exploring.

8. Battery-charging backpack

Never miss a photo op due to a dead cell phone battery with this battery-charging backpack by TYLT. Perfect for those who love to go on long hikes and won't be near a power source for hours and hours, this backpack, complete with a 5,200 mAh battery, has got your phones and tablets covered. What's more? It even has a built-in laptop sleeve that is TSA-compliant, making getting to and leaving your destination a breeze.

It's the host wonderful time of the year—and a chance to make the holidays away from home all that more comfortable for your guests. Going the extra mile promises a great experience, and a few decorations during the holidays can mean the world to guests who are celebrating the holidays in a new destination. Besides the basics, here are our favorite, five-star ways for you to host the best Christmas for your guests, all of which are simple, out-of-the-box, and unforgettable.

Email a holiday edition of your welcome packet

Be the host who gives the most and clue visiting guests in on the best holiday and winter activities in your area. These could be any number of things, including, but not limited to, Christmas tree lightings, the best neighborhood decorations, ice skating, seasonal theater performances, unique church services, public cookie decorating parties for young families, and Christmas markets.

Bonus points: Include restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas, as well as suggestions for local restaurants with festive menus and/or holiday specials.

Set up a hot cocoa bar

With a few simple (and inexpensive) ingredients, you can set the stage for a fun and memorable activity for your guests. Assuming that a kettle will already be provided, include powdered hot cocoa, candy canes or cinnamon sticks to stir, and whipped cream or marshmallows to top it all off. Bring out the winter-themed mugs and allow children and adults alike to relish in crafting their own custom cocoas together.

Bonus points: If you have an outdoor fireplace, consider a festive s'mores bar. Leave guests with graham crackers, chocolate (or peppermint bark!), and marshmallows to roast.

Create a holiday movie basket

If you won't be watching "Elf" and "Home Alone" yourself, place your favorite holiday movies in a basket to welcome guests—complete with popcorn and a bag of sweets. If you haven't seen a physical DVD since 2008, leave guests with a handwritten card that has all the holiday movies available on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.

Bonus points: Add a few pairs of fluffy socks that guests can wear during their stay and then take home with them as a cozy keepsake.

Fashion a holiday photo booth

All you will need are a few silly, holiday props and a sheet of wrapping paper to set the stage for a fun and memorable activity. Hang the sheet of wrapping paper behind a closet door to open up when the spirit hits.

In a basket, place a few fluffy hats, reindeer horns, and faux poinsettia flowers, for example. Keep decorations non-denominational and celebrate all festivities that take place during the month of December. Decorations can be found at your local party store or on Amazon!

Bonus points: Include a disposable or Polaroid camera. Physical photos are always appreciated, even in the digital age.

Opening our homes, as well as our hearts, is the best way to spread holiday cheer with guests, new friends and loved ones. To give is the best gift. And with that, Glamping Hub wishes you health, happiness, and a wonderful holiday season!

For more tips on how to be a fantastic host, check out our post on how to lower your accommodation's carbon footprint here!

Editor's note: Each month, we'd like to introduce you to one of our wonderful Glamping Hub hosts and what inspired them to create a glamping site. This month, we have Todd and Kim, who manage nine different luxury rentals in Upstate New York.

1. What is the story behind you starting your glamping site?

14 years ago, we built our first vacation rental with the hopes of getting to personally enjoy it, as well. We called our rental company agent to ask him if we could come up for a week in the summer, and he informed us that we were fully booked! We actually had to build another accommodation so we could stay in our own vacation rental.

When we started to rent the second property, the same thing happened! We now have nine accommodations and have come to understand the power of listing them online in order to reach a larger audience.

2. What did you do before becoming a glamping host, and what drew you to glamping?

Before, we owned a construction and landscaping business, and we ended up selling it to run our vacation rental business. Over time, while we have been on all of the normal booking sites, we found that by coming to Glamping Hub, we would get more exposure to a different audience— which is exactly what we found!

3. In your opinion, how does your accommodation fit the definition of glamping?

Our well-appointed accommodations offer a number of amenities, such as hot tubs and saunas, which make vacationing in the rustic Adirondacks very luxurious. Glamping fits our bill, because guests that go through Glamping Hub expect the best.

4. What is the most special thing about your property?

All of our accommodations our extremely clean and well-maintained by our care-taking staff, a husband-and-wife who have been with us for seven years. They also all come with deluxe amenities, as previously mentioned, which are big perks for people looking to have a relaxing getaway.

5. What do you love the most about running a glamping site? What are some of the challenges you face?

Working with Glamping Hub has given us the ability to reach another type of traveler. The site itself allows us to make changes ourselves, and anytime we need help, their staff always helps us. The only challenge about being in the vacation rental business, we would say, is managing our listings on multiple sites.

6. Tell us about your most memorable guest experience to date.

We had guests stay at the first accommodation we built. We had purchased some new items for the home and asked if they minded if we brought the items to the house. They agreed, so we went to the rental, met them, and it was an instant friendship. We have been great friends now for almost 10 years!

7. Which three words are most commonly used in guest feedback about your accommodation?

Beautiful, clean, and...clean!

8. Tell us about the experience you provide for guests visiting your glamping site.

We provide as much information and photos as possible so that guests can make an informed decision before booking. We have very, very descriptive listings, and we believe that honesty is the best policy. By the time they've read our description, they know exactly what our accommodations are all about.

9. If you could have anybody stay at your accommodation, who would it be and why?

We would love for the Glamping Hub staff to come and stay at one of our accommodations. Despite most of them working from Spain, that's who we would like to come stay and have the experience—not only of the Adirondacks, but of how clean and well-equipped our accommodations are.

10. Are there any upcoming additions/changes to your glampsite you would like to share with us?